John Barrymore and Diana Wynyard in a Sound Picture Version of "Reunion in Vienna."

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John Barrymore steps into Alfred Lunt's shoes and contributes a brilliant portrayal as the wild and amorous Archduke Rudolph von Hapsburg in the pictorial version of Robert E. Sherwood's play, "Reunion in Vienna," which came to the Gaiety last night. Mr. Barrymore seizes every opportunity to give buoyancy to the part. This Rudolph has the mad eye, the recklessness, the zealousness, with which he was endowed by Mr. Sherwood. It is a part peculiarly well suited to the versatile actor, who appears to revel in it.The shadow translation of "Reunion in Vienna" was directed by Sidney Franklin, who has to his everlasting credit "The Guardsman" and "Private Lives." As usual, Mr. Franklin has delivered a beautifully staged film in which the tempo is precisely what is needed. There is enough wit in the lines to appeal to most persons, and the boisterous doings are very much as they were in the stage work. The subtle touches of the original have been preserved cleverly. It is, in fact, an adaptation which is a distinct credit to Hollywood, or rather, to Culver City, where the studios of Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer are located.Diana Wynyard, who won high praise by her charming performance in "Cavalcade," is cast as Elena, who be it known was Rudolph's mistress before he was forced into a decade of exile. Lynn Fontanne played Elena in the Theatre Guild production and she is undoubtedly better fitted for the rôle, both in the matter of physical appearance and stage experience. Nevertheless, Miss Wynyard's Saxon beauty is pleasing and she enters into the spirit of the characterization with far more zest than one would expect.Elena is married to Dr. Anton Krug, an eminent psychiatrist, who is 45 and dignified. Dr. Krug is personated by Frank Morgan whose work is as distinguished as ever. It is a delight to gaze upon Rudolph, Dr. Krug and Elena together, for their scenes are so amusing.The introductory sequence deals with a crowd being taken through Schonbrunn Palace. Ferdinand Gottschalk is perceived as the guide and he acts well in this minor rôle. Soon Elena comes to the screen and there is a flashback, revealing what happened some ten years ago at a court ball. The madcap Archduke trod on Elena's white satin gown intentionally as she genuflected and she bit his hand. That was all another day and therefore it is presumed that although Elena has not forgotten her happy hours with Rudolph, she does not want to see him at the reunion of the impoverished members of Austrian nobility.There are rumors that Rudolph may come to the reunion, which is held in Frau Lucher's hostelry. The police are eager to apprehend the Archduke if he dares to show himself across the border, but Rudolph is one too many for them, for he appears in a disguise and is extremely curious to see Elena. Actually, he wonders whether she has changed and whether he will be interested in her. And, as every one knows, Elena comes to the reunion and although she at first rebuffs Rudolph, who is evidently delighted with her, she finally permits him to embrace her. She returns his kisses and then flees to her home. But the indomitable Rudolph follows her.What happens is a matter of conjecture. Dr. Krug has been called away for the night and the audience will probably suspect the worst. Elena's garrulous father-in-law is not likely to be able to throw much light on the case, for he shows himself to be too much concerned over Rudolph's audacity in eating Dr. Krug's breakfast.There are several excellent scenes devoted to the activities of this Viennese reunion and May Robson acquits herself to good effect as Frau Lucher, who, on the stage, was acted by Helen Westley. There are the Hungarian musicians who add flavor to this comedy and a toast offered to the portrait of Franz Josef. And in the end there is a very appealing note, when one of Rudolph's friends begs to be allowed to go with him to the border.

A version of this review appears in print on April 29, 1933 of the National edition with the headline: John Barrymore and Diana Wynyard in a Sound Picture Version of "Reunion in Vienna.". Order Reprints|Today's Paper|Subscribe